19:45 "Stupid populism" - sharp criticism of SPD politicians after Russia statements
Russian side repeatedly hints at not being genuinely interested in peace, instead aiming to achieve its war goals and subjugate Ukraine entirely or in large parts. SPD MP Ralf Stegner nonetheless believes that negotiations with Russia should be held, as he stated in WDR. "It's difficult, I'm aware of that, but escalation is the worst option we can have." Political scientist Thomas Jäger sharply criticizes these statements: "This argumentation cannot even be considered learning-resistant. It's populist nonsense," he writes. Jäger's views are supported by security expert Gustav Gressel, who shares the post.
19:16 Breakthrough attempts - Russian troops increase pressure furtherRussian troops are intensifying pressure on Ukrainian defenders in the east. According to the General Staff in Kyiv's daily situation report, Ukrainian positions in Torezk and Pokrovsk have been repeatedly shelled while Russian soldiers attempted a breakthrough. Russian military has been focusing on this front section in Donbass for some time, aiming to breach Ukrainian lines and capture crucial supply routes behind them. According to Ukrainian reports, Russian attacks were repelled.
18:44 Imminent prisoner exchange between Germany, USA, Russia, and Belarus?Amidst speculations about an impending prisoner exchange between Russia and the USA, a court in Slovenia has sentenced two Russian citizens to over a year and a half in prison for suspected espionage. The couple pleaded guilty to "espionage and document forgery," the Ljubljana District Court ruled. The court also ordered their expulsion. A report by Slovenian news platform N1 Info, citing anonymous sources, suggests that the pair is part of a larger prisoner exchange between Russia, the USA, Germany, and Belarus, expected to take place in the coming hours.
18:03 First western F-16 fighter jets reportedly arrive in UkraineUkraine has received the first of the long-awaited F-16 jets, Bloomberg News reports, citing sources familiar with the matter. However, only a small number of the US-produced fighter jets have been delivered. Ukraine's air force does not initially respond to a Reuters query. Ukrainian army hopes the planes will effectively combat Russian air strikes. However, Kyiv is expected to deploy only a few F-16s this year due to a shortage of trained pilots and maintenance personnel.
17:47 Imprisoned former US soldier missing in RussiaAmidst speculations about an impending prisoner exchange, the lawyer of imprisoned former US soldier Paul Whelan is checking on his whereabouts. A lawyer for imprisoned Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Mursa reports that his client's local lawyer has been denied access for the second consecutive day. "I've received inquiries from journalists asking where Paul is," Whelan's lawyer Olga Karlova told Russian news agency Interfax. She sent a request to the administration of his penal colony but received no response. The 54-year-old former US soldier, who also holds British, Irish, and Canadian citizenship, has been in Russian custody since December 2018. Whelan denies the espionage charges against him, claiming he was set up by an acquaintance.
17:21 Ukraine: Russia Kidnaps Children and Enrolls Them in Its Youth ArmyAccording to the Ukrainian regional administration of Luhansk, children from the occupied town of Bilowodsk have been taken to a tent camp of Russia's youth army, "Junarmija," located in the Siberian region of Novosibirsk. A social media statement claims that children aged 11 to 17 are being sent there and are being trained by combat instructors in tactics, shooting, and drills.
16:44 Russian Foreign Ministry Indirectly Threatens German CompanyGerman defense conglomerate Rheinmetall plans to build a munitions factory in Ukraine, which the Russian Foreign Ministry comments on with an indirect threat. Spokesman Andrei Nastasyin emphasizes that "every factory is a legitimate target."
16:17 Another Finnish Volunteer Soldier Killed in UkraineThe fourth Finnish volunteer soldier has been killed in the war in Ukraine, according to news site Yle, citing the "Sodan kokeneet ry" (War Veterans Association). The Finn died in mid-July north of Donetsk, and his family has been notified. The association's director, Juha Kreus, says they are working with Finnish and Ukrainian authorities. On its Facebook page, the association states that it supports volunteers fighting in Ukraine and their families.
15:29 "Kremlin is Lying" - UK Defense Ministry Sees Russian StrugglesThe Russian economy, particularly its defense industry, is booming due to the war in Ukraine, according to statements from the country. However, the UK Defense Ministry calls this a lie and points to struggles. "Inflation is twice the central bank's target, and war spending is causing unsustainable growth and overheating," it says. High interest rates are making Russia a poor place for investments, and the country is drawing from its state fund to finance rising war costs, the ministry adds.
15:00 Ukraine Could Produce Several Million Drones per YearUkraine currently has the capacity to produce three million drones per year, according to Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries Anna Gvozdiar, as reported by media outlet Suspilne. However, this requires funding, Gvozdiar says. Drones are one of the key tools in Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion, with some being funded by foreign donations and produced by volunteers.
14:28 Germany Delivers More Leopard Tanks to Czech RepublicAs compensation for military aid to Ukraine, Germany is delivering 14 more Leopard 2A4 battle tanks and one Buffalo-3 armored recovery vehicle to the Czech Republic. Both sides have signed final documents for the deal, the Czech Defense Ministry announced. The first tanks are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, with the rest by early 2026. This follows the delivery of 15 tanks from Germany in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the NATO country plans to buy more Leopard 2A4 and 2A8 tanks as part of its military modernization efforts, with talks ongoing.
13:49 SBU Suspects Putin's Close Aide of Aiding War Against UkraineThe Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has filed a suspicion notice against one of Russian leader Vladimir Putin's closest aides, Alexei Dyumin, and Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov. "RBC-Ukraine" reports, citing the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Investigations suggest that Alexei Dyumin, a former bodyguard of Putin and current Secretary of the State Council of the Russian Federation, was involved in mobilizing the Tula region for combat operations in Ukraine. He is accused of organizing partial mobilization of men, establishing the Center for Unmanned Systems, and developing the production of FPV drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles. Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, Deputy Defense Minister of the Russian Federation, is suspected of being responsible for the training of contract soldiers and mobilized personnel who then participate in the fighting in Ukraine.
13:06 Russia Begins "Third Phase" of Tactical Nuclear Weapon ExercisesRussia has begun the third phase of exercises aimed at testing the readiness of its forces to use non-strategic nuclear weapons. "Kyiv Independent" reports, citing a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry. According to the statement, units from the central and southern military districts are involved, including those stationed in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. "During this phase of the exercise, personnel of the rocket formations of the southern and central military districts will conduct combat training, including the acquisition of special training ammunition for the Iskander-M tactical missile systems," the Defense Ministry said. The first phase of the exercises began in May. Russian President Vladimir Putin had presented this as a response to alleged and unspecified "provocative statements" from the West.
12:45 Authorities: Russians Hold Children from Luhansk in Military CampsChildren from the occupied Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region are in a Russian military camp in the Novosibirsk region of the Russian Federation. There, they are being taught by military personnel how to use firearms and drills. "Ukrinform" reports, citing the Facebook page of the Luhansk regional state administration. According to the head of the regional state administration, Artem Lysohor, schoolchildren from the Russian-occupied Bilohorivka are still in the military-patriotic tent camp of the "Yunarmia" established in the Novosibirsk region. "Sending children aged 11 to 17 to this camp, where combat officers teach them tactics, fire, and drills, is considered a benevolent act in the Russian Federation," says Lysohor.
12:30 Duma Legalizes Cryptocurrency Mining to Evade SanctionsThe Duma has passed a law legalizing cryptocurrency mining in Russia. "Meduza", a Russian media outlet based in Latvia, reports, citing the website of the lower house of the Russian parliament. According to the document published there, Russian legal entities and individual entrepreneurs registered in the relevant register are entitled to engage in cryptocurrency mining. Individuals who do not exceed the energy consumption limits set by the government can mine cryptocurrencies without being registered in the register.
12:06 Putin Doubles Bonus for War DeploymentRussia's leadership is offering more money to attract more volunteers for its attack on Ukraine. According to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin, anyone who signs a contract for deployment at the front between August 1 and December 31 will receive a one-time payment of 400,000 rubles (around 4,200 euros), more than double the previous amount of 195,000 rubles. In addition, there is a monthly salary that is significantly higher than the average Russian income. Since the forced mobilization of reservists in the fall of 2022, Russia has been relying mainly on financial incentives to attract soldiers for the war. Many regions offer cash bonuses for signing contracts. For example, the city of Moscow set a one-time bonus of 1.9 million rubles (about 20,300 euros) for contracts lasting one year or longer.
11:30 Russian Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Attempted Arson at Recruitment OfficeA man in Russia has been sentenced to seven years in prison. He is accused of trying to set fire to a recruitment office and of having ties to the "Freedom of Russia" legion. The military court of the southern district of Russia found him guilty of attempted terrorism and of collaborating "on a confidential basis with a representative of a foreign state." The "Freedom of Russia" legion was founded in Ukraine in March 2022. It is an armed group of Russians fighting on the side of Ukrainian forces against Russia. Its members have also carried out cross-border actions in Russia and, according to reports, sabotage operations within the country.
11:06 Fire After Ukrainian Strike on Weapon Depot in KurskA fire has broken out at a weapons and military equipment depot in the Russian border region of Kursk following a Ukrainian attack. The General Staff in Kyiv reports that the strike was carried out using a modified rocket system of the Ukrainian Navy. Explosions were observed at the target. The Navy has anti-ship missiles of the Neptune type that can reach targets within a range of nearly 300 kilometers. Kursk is only about 80 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Previously, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that a cruise missile of this type had been shot down over the Kursk region. The fire has been extinguished, according to the governor of the region, Alexei Smirnov. In addition, according to Russian military data, a total of 19 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the cities of Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Kaluga, Rostov, and the annexed Crimea.
10:36 Munz on Russia's War Tactics: Motorcycle Attacks "Follow a Certain Pattern"Sightings of Russian soldiers on motorcycles in Ukraine have increased, leading some observers to believe that Russia is running out of armored vehicles. ntv correspondent Rainer Munz disagrees and explains the strategy behind these attacks.
10:02 Reisner: Russia could have lost up to 750,000 soldiers in UkraineRussia could have suffered 500,000 to 750,000 casualties, including up to 150,000 dead soldiers, in its attack on Ukraine, according to Markus Reisner, a colonel in the Austrian Armed Forces, in an interview with the Ukrainian news agency "Ukrinform". "Recently, an interesting study was published that, in my opinion, is very well-researched. It suggests that perhaps 100,000 to 150,000 Russian soldiers have already been killed," says Reisner. Considering the lessons of military history and "the fact that there are about 3-4 times more wounded than killed", the losses are enormous, the military expert estimates. And that is realistic given the intensity of the conflict," says Reisner, also noting that the Ukrainian side "has also suffered heavy losses". Kyiv puts the current update of Russian military losses at 578,120 personnel (see entry from 07:35).
09:24 Ukraine: Attack on weapons depot in Russian region of KurskThe Ukrainian military reports that it has attacked a weapons and military equipment depot in the Russian region of Kursk overnight. Kursk borders Ukraine and has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian fire. Overnight from Monday to Tuesday, the Ukrainian military reported that it had attacked a Russian oil depot in the region. "Intelligence reports indicate that a fire broke out at the enemy's facility as a result of the attack," the Ukrainian General Staff said on Facebook yesterday.
08:55 Kyiv reports one of the heaviest Russian drone attacks since the start of the warThe Russian military attacked targets in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other parts of the country with dozens of combat drones overnight. "In two waves, over 40 enemy drones were shot down over the Kyiv area and at the outskirts of the capital," the Kyiv military administration said on Telegram. Not a single drone reached its target in the capital. The attack was described as one of the strongest on Ukraine during the entire war. Overall, there was an air alert in the city of three million for over eight hours overnight (see also entries 06:33 and 23:52). Reports of Russian drone attacks also came from other regions. Six were shot down over the southeastern Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk - four more over the region of Mykolajiw in the south of the country. A general overview of the Ukrainian air defense's activities overnight is still pending.
08:36 Ukraine reports 144 engagements along the front line over the past dayOver the past day, there were 144 engagements along the front line, according to the spokesman of the Ukrainian General Staff, Dmytro Hutsulyak. "Over the past day, there were 144 combat engagements. Over the past day, Russian terrorists carried out a total of 1 missile attack with 1 missile on the positions of our troops and residential areas, as well as 85 air attacks. During this time, 141 guided aerial bombs were dropped. In addition, more than 4,350 attacks were carried out, 90 of which were with multiple launch rocket systems," says Hutsulyak in the program "United News".
08:09 Governor: Man Dies from Russian Shelling in KhersonRussian forces shell the outskirts of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson in the morning. A man is killed and a woman injured, writes the governor of the Kherson region, Roman Mrochko, in a Telegram post. According to him, the Russian army shelled the outskirts of Kherson from the occupied left bank of the Dnieper River. A 68-year-old man sustained fatal injuries. Rescue workers reportedly retrieved his body from the rubble. A 73-year-old woman suffered a concussion and head injuries from an explosion. She was provided medical care at the scene, as stated in the post.
07:35 Ukraine Reports Over 1000 Russian Casualties in a DayRussia loses 1060 soldiers, 30 artillery systems, 20 armored combat vehicles, and 9 tanks in the course of the previous day, reports the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in its Facebook update. According to the report, the total combat losses of the Russian Armed Forces since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022, amount to 578,120 military personnel, 8,390 tanks, 16,161 armored combat vehicles, 16,086 artillery systems, 1,131 multiple launch rocket systems, 907 air defense systems, 363 fixed-wing aircraft, 326 helicopters, 12,853 strategic and tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, 2,407 cruise missiles, 28 ships and boats, 1 submarine, 21,739 vehicles and fuel tanks, and 2,697 special vehicles and other equipment. These figures cannot be independently verified. Russia does not provide information on its losses.
07:14 Ukraine Spots Two Russian Warships with Cruise Missiles in the Black SeaRussia maintains two warships in the Black Sea armed with up to eight Kalibr cruise missiles each, reports the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. There are no enemy ships in the Azov Sea. In the Mediterranean Sea, Russia has two warships, one of which is armed with up to 16 Kalibr cruise missiles, it is stated. However, the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk, considers it unlikely that Russia would dare to fire missiles from the Mediterranean at Ukraine, as reported by "RBC-Ukraine." If they did, Russian missiles would violate NATO airspace, according to Pletenchuk.
06:33 Massive Attack on Kyiv - Over 30 Drones InterceptedThe Ukrainian air defense intercepts more than 30 Russian drones over Kyiv at night, explains the military administration of the capital on Telegram. This is one of the most massive drone attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war. Explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, reports the news agency Reuters, citing eyewitnesses. The detonations sounded like air defense systems repelling enemy flying objects. An air raid alert had previously been issued in Kyiv and wide parts of Ukraine (see entry from 23:52). "This was already the seventh enemy drone attack on Kyiv in July," writes Serhii Popko, head of the military administration of the city, in a post. The air raid alarm lasted for more than seven hours. Enemy drones infiltrated Kyiv in waves from almost all possible directions, it is stated. There are no reports of possible damages or casualties.
06:10 Zelensky to Protect Schoolchildren from Russian Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to ensure special protection for the schoolchildren of his country from the war. "The school year is on the horizon, and the priority now is to ensure that children, wherever possible thanks to the shelters, can learn normally and not remotely," says Zelensky in his evening video address. The government has been instructed to accelerate its efforts to build shelters.
04:38 Pistorius on New US Weapons: "Real Deterrence"
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius dismisses criticism of the German government's approach to the agreement with the US on the deployment of long-range weapons. While open discussion in the Bundestag is welcome, he argues that this topic did not need prior parliamentary debate, as it is unlike the NATO Double-Track Decision from the 1980s. At the recent NATO summit in Washington, the US and Germany announced the deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 missiles, and new hypersonic weapons from 2026, justified as a response to threats from Russia. Pistorius emphasizes that these are conventional weapons not intended for nuclear use. "This must be clearly stated to reassure those who are concerned," he says, adding that the deployment is about "real deterrence".
02:33 Finnish Volunteer Killed in Ukraine
A Finnish volunteer fighting on the side of Ukraine has been killed in the northern Donetsk region in mid-July. The Finnish War Veterans' Association confirmed this, stating that the authorities had informed the man's family. He is the fourth Finnish citizen to have died in Ukraine. In February, the Finnish Foreign Ministry reported that around 20 to 30 Finns were serving at the Ukrainian front.
23:52 Air Force Reports Numerous Drones Over Ukraine
The Ukrainian army has sounded air raid alerts in several regions overnight as Russia attacks the country from multiple directions with drones. An explosion was heard in Kyiv, according to reporters from the "Kyiv Independent". It is not yet clear whether the capital was hit.
22:05 Medium-Range Missiles from the US in Germany: Former SPD Leader Criticizes "Solo Move"
Former SPD leader Norbert Walter-Borjans criticizes the lack of debate over the planned deployment of US weapons in Germany. He finds it problematic that "such a far-reaching decision is practically not debated, that it is more or less made and announced in a solo move," he tells the "Deutschlandfunk". Moreover, he questions whether such a measure would actually enhance security or make Germany a target for a first strike. Recently, the White House and the German government announced that the US would resume stationing weapons systems in Germany from 2026 that can reach far into Russia. These include Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 missiles, and new hypersonic weapons.
21:35 Ukrainians face less "condemnation" for contact with Russian occupiersMany Ukrainians live in their own country under Russian occupation, inevitably coming into contact with the invaders of the brutal illegal war - something that is often frowned upon or seen as treason elsewhere. However, "Ukraine is currently experiencing a decrease in the level of condemnation towards citizens from temporarily occupied areas for their various forms of communication with the occupation authorities," says Daria Svyrydova, member of the Advisory Board for De-Occupation and Reintegration of the Crimea regions, at an event in the Media Center Ukraine. "In general, the Ukrainian population considers possible communication of people in occupation acceptable in certain situations." According to Svyrydova, this is an important factor for future reintegration processes and an indication of what the state should focus on in developing reintegration policy. Many people believe in a "shared future with the people in the temporarily occupied territories," says Svyrydova.
20:54 Reports of major fire in Russian arms factoryAmong others, the Ukrainian media outlet Euromaidan Press reports a fire in a factory in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The factory produces parts for military rockets, it is said. The factory has been under Western sanctions since 2014 and is an important actor in the Russian defense industry, according to the report. There has been no official confirmation yet, and the authenticity of the videos on social media is not confirmed. There are also no indications about how the fire started.
20:32 Zelensky visits troops at border with BelarusUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspects the fortifications and defense positions of his troops at the border with Belarus. Accompanied by leading military figures, he is on a working visit to the Volhynia region, as reported by the presidential administration in Kyiv. "The head of the state border guard service, Serhiy Deyneko, reports on the protection of the border, including the number of soldiers involved, their skills and weapons," it says in the statement. Zelensky gets a personal impression of the construction of fortifications, trenches and shelters. "We have a strong defense, both in terms of personnel and defense lines," he says. "And we will continue to strengthen it." The Ukrainian military has significantly strengthened the border with the neighboring country Belarus in recent months.
Despite the repeated attacks on Ukraine by Russian forces, German SPD MP Ralf Stegner still believes that negotiations with Russia should be held, as he stated in WDR. However, political scientist Thomas Jäger criticizes these statements, calling them "populist nonsense" that cannot even be considered learning-resistant. Meanwhile, the attack on Ukraine continues, with Russian troops increasing pressure on Ukrainian defenders in the east, aiming to breach Ukrainian lines and capture crucial supply routes behind them. [The attack on Ukraine] has been ongoing for some time, with no sign of a ceasefire in sight.
